Eye-catching: The refreshed and all-new Hyundai Creta

Take five

The new Creta comes in five derivatives with two specification levels – Premium and Executive. A 1,5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, a 1,5-litre turbocharged diesel engine and a 1,4 turbocharged petrol engine are the power sources for the range.

They are used in combination with a manual transmission, an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) and a dual-clutch automatic transmission for the flagship Creta TGDI Executive.

Interior re-imagined

Not only the exterior but also the spacious cabin of the new Creta received a complete redesign, which is slightly longer and wider. The centre console is neat and uncluttered. The instrument panel is well set out and easy to read.

The entire layout of the front end of the cabin creates an aura of tranquillity and serves to add to the pleasantness and comfort of the journey. It is clean, sometimes minimalistic, with beautiful red accents on the leather seats.

The red accents around the air vents are attention-grabbing with a satin-smooth finish. I could not help but run my fingers on them. The steering wheel, with a flat bottom part, also sports red stitching in the leather cladding.

Styled to win hearts

The all-new Hyundai Creta is sure to be an eye-catcher on the road with its fresh new styling and the two-tone colour scheme for the flagship Executive Derivatives.

The body-coloured bumper and big, bold new grille helps to make a dramatic first impression. The headlights take an unusual shape, with the daytime running lights above and on the side of the headlight cluster.

Viewed from the side, the new Creta’s styling upgrade is impressive. It sports bold, almost square wheel arches. The two-tone derivatives with their Lava-Orange-and-black and Polar-White-and-black colour themes are even more attractive.

Convenient

A multifunction steering wheel with remote control buttons for the infotainment system, trip computer and cruise control and a wireless charging pad (in the Executive derivatives) are two of the many convenience features in the new Hyundai Creta.

Apple Carplay and Android-auto connectivity of the infotainment system with its 8-inch touch screen enables the driver or passengers to select several functions through voice commands.

Continuous variable transmission

Three new engines are used in the all-new Creta range in South Africa: A naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a 1,497 cc displacement; a turbodiesel 4-cylinder, with a 1,493 cc displacement; and a turbocharged petrol engine with a displacement of 1,353 cc.

The engines are mated in different combinations to either a six-speed manual gearbox, a conventional six-speed automatic transmission, a new six-speed Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) that uses a chain belt and pulley system with an increased gear ration span, or a seven-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).

All derivatives are driven by the front wheels.

Verdict

Hyundai has produced yet another winner with the all-new Creta. Eye-catching it definitely is along with extensive features and driving capabilities that are bound to make it an even more popular choice in this very competitive segment of the South African car market.

This is the second generation of the Creta and Hyundai has not disappointed at all. The first generation sold well (14,811 units) in Mzansi and expect the all-new Creta to follow suit.

The price is good value for money and backed by a seven-year / 200,000 km manufacturers. Also sold with a four-year / 60,000 km service plan and roadside assistance for seven years or 150,000 km.

Pricing

All image supplied by the author.